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People living in PoK in an atmosphere of fear: JKNIA leader Mahmood Kashmiri

Just Earth News | @justearthnews | 13 Mar 2020

People living in PoK in an atmosphere of fear: JKNIA leader Mahmood Kashmiri

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Geneva: A Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK) leader has unveiled the domination imposed over them by PM Imran Khan and his government and said people in the region live in an atmosphere of fear.

Speaking to ANI here, Mahmood Kashmiri, chairman of Jammu Kashmir National Independence Alliance (JKNIA), said: "We have no control over there. Pakistan has sent officers and officials from various secret agencies. In 'Azad Kashmir,' an atmosphere of fear exists."

"In such a situation, there are very few people who speak against it. Those who speak are being harassed by the security agencies of Pakistan. Despite all, a large number of young people are there who oppose Pakistan's forceful occupation," said the PoK leader.

The PoK leader is attending the 43rd Session of the UN Human Rights Council.

Pakistan, the nuclear-armed neighbours, has been occupying PoK and Gilgit Baltistan since October 1948.

It was during this time when Pashtun tribal militias supported by Pakistan Army attacked Jammu and Kashmir.

Kashmiri even slammed Pakistan's intelligence agencies for trapping youth in the Kashmir region in the cycle of terrorism.

Kashmiri told ANI news agency: "In 1988, they started proving shelter to terrorist outfits and the locals have protested against it. They have clearly stated that such terror activities are unacceptable."

"The issue of Jammu and Kashmir is a political issue, which is required to be resolved politically. Now, a strong voice is present (in PoK) which defies any kind of terror activity in the region. The people are standing tall against it. It is impossible that we are being used as proxies in the age of social media," he added.